A college tutor who boozed with students and allowed them to down vodka and coke on an education trip made a “catalogue of errors” and was “untruthful” to the inquiry set up to investigate his behaviour.

A Fitness to Practice Committee hearing into David Gardner heard how the law and sociology lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo sent “flirtatious” texts to one learner from another’s phone “as a joke” and got drunk with them during a three-day visit to London.

A number of allegations proved at a Fitness to Practice Committee hearing of the Education Workforce Council, which Mr Gardner did not attend.

The panel heard that under the influence of alcohol he also discussed how he gave out grades and said he marked the person, not the work.

After failing to accompany some students on a trip to the Houses of Parliament, he told them “what happens in London stays in London.”

Some adult learners on the access to higher education course at sites in Abergele and Denbigh - the youngest being aged 19 - complained about Mr Gardner’s behaviour when they returned.

Today, the EWC panel upheld all but two of the allegations against him and concluded that his actions had fallen short of the standard expected of a registered person.

Committee chair, Peter Williams said some students were left “embarrassed,” “offended,” “confused” and “humiliated” by his conduct.

“Mr Gardner demonstrated a limited insight into the seriousness of his misconduct and the impact in learners,” he said.

The panel imposed a conditional registration order which means he can continue in the profession but must declare the details of the order to future employers.

He is also banned him from organising trips involving learners.

Presiding officer, Cadi Dewi said the tutor made a “catalogue of errors” and showed a lack of remorse for his actions.

Other complaints were that he got drunk with them in hotel bedrooms, which was also against college rules, and discussed how he gave out grades.

He also sent flirty texts to a gay student from another’s phone suggesting that he was coming out to him.

Gardner was interviewed by human resources manager, Karen Nelson but the answers he gave her in April 2015 contradicted the contents of an additional statement he submitted to the EWC earlier this month.

His statement said he had learned lessons but felt certain learners had “ulterior motives.”

Solicitors acting on behalf of Mr Gardner said: “Our client Mr Gardner found himself unable to be present this week to legally defend the pernicious allegations against him.

“The allegations made against our client are denied and Mr Gardner has concerns about the evidence presented to the hearing and in particular the way certain witness evidence has been excluded.”

Coleg Llandrillo said that Mr Gardner was no longer employed at the college.